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Despite being in an otherwise fulfilling job, an employee can feel demeaned because of his or her relationship with their supervisor. Ill-tempered bosses are very common in the workplace and are easy to spot. More subtle passive-aggressive behaviors are harder to pinpoint, but the net result can still be intolerable for employees.

Subtle Behaviors Can Demoralize Employees

A recent study from the Journal of Occupational Science found that managers who use even mildly negative statements like “I don't disagree” instead of saying “I agree” can weaken a worker's outlook by up to 63%. However, a manager who uses a more positive approach and affirmative language appears to be linked to improved worker spirit.